I would like to use a pump for re-circulating the run-off until it runs clear. My capacity is small so I don't need anything real heavy duty; just something that can take the heat, and that is food grade. Does anyone know of a device that would work well for this application?

you can control it by putting a ball valve on the OUTLET side of the pump, therby restricting the flow. you cant restrict it from the inlet side as then the pump would cavitate and not operate properly. Grainger does carry a pump for the same price with a slightly lower GPM, part #2P580. I didnt find the viton o rings at lowes, is that where you got them or somewhere else???

Viton O-rings at Charleston Rubber and Gasket here in South Carolina. I have seen them online as well, but in large quantities (50 or so). Since I found them locally I didn't look around on the web to find smaller quantities; I'm sure they can be found somewhere online though.

By the way, the #206 O-ring has an ID of 1/2"; it should fit better than the #207. I can't remember which I used.

Last edited by jeff on Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I wasnt able to find anyone locally who had the viton o rings, would you be able to pick one up for me and drop it in the mail??? I would need something with ID 11/16" If not I will keep looking
Thanks,

The number for Charleston Rubber & Gasket is (843) 747-5738. They might ship orders; they seemed like they would do that kind of thing, but I'm not sure. It is a little bit of a hike for me to get over there; that's why I bought a bunch of replacements when I was there so I wouldn't have to return. The size you mentioned is bigger than the ones I bought, otherwise I would send you one.

Back in the early 90's I build an all grain system with 3 modified sankeys and fixed piping. I went the typical route with the mentioned "Little Giant" which is temperature rated, but not high duty rated (length of runtime under given conditions, read the specs that come with the pump). The impeller is teflon and the body is plastic resin. They may be inexpensive ($95~110) but will fail sooner than a better choice for a little more investment. Also... these pumps are rated for fluids only... if you want to vorlauf or RIMS, this is not your pump!

Here is the pump I eventually used (1 year later) and it still is working great after 12 years: Grundfos UF-15P. It is designed for hot water baseboard applications as an inline circulator, so it therefore has a low flow rate that works perfectly in brew systems (husk/grain shearing is a BIG quality issue!). If you are one of the adherents to the theories regarding hot side aeration, this pump will make your day as well. The motor is wound so that it won't be damaged by using a speed controller, which cheap pumps cannot withstand for long (or at all). These pumps are so small that they can be mounted directly in your pipe train (no base mount required) which makes it very easy to fit into brew towers or horizontals like mine.I just got one of these for my assistant brewer at Grainger for $135. They are constructed of solid stainless steel as is the impeller. You will need to add an adapter kit to change the threading to NPT, they are brass and ~$18. Even though these are also rated for fluid, their volute design and rigid impeller has no problem handling grain slugs during recirculation.

This pump is not magnetic drive, but has mechanical shaft seals. The construction is of an inert rigid plastic. Note the temperature rating.... this is only one of the reasons that it is worth spending a bit more. The flow rate of these pumps is perfect fo RIMS/Vorlaf and respond very well to speed controllers.